Multiple Court Hearings Threaten to Escalate ADC Crisis

A legal advisor has raised alarm within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that the party’s escalating leadership crisis could spiral out of control if urgent internal steps are not taken ahead of critical court hearings scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2026.
The memorandum, addressed to top party figures including David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola, as well as members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and state chairmen nationwide, described the situation as reaching a “dangerous tipping point,” cautioning that continued reliance on litigation could cripple the party’s structure and derail preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Multiple Court Battles Intensify Crisis
According to the advisory, several suits remain active before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, none of which has conclusively determined the legitimacy of the party’s national leadership.
Central among them is a suit filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, challenging the legality of the David Mark-led National Working Committee and the July 2025 caretaker arrangement. The matter is scheduled for hearing on April 14 before Justice Emeka Nwite.
In parallel, the Mark-led faction has approached the court seeking an injunction to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to restore its leadership names to the commission’s portal following their delisting on April 1. This motion is expected to be heard alongside the Gombe suit.
Another key case involves Leke Abejide, who is seeking to restrain Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as national officers. Judgment in that matter is expected on April 13 before Justice Musa Liman.
Meanwhile, divisions among state chairmen continue to deepen the crisis, with some rejecting both major factions and aligning with INEC’s neutral stance while exploring alternative interim arrangements.
INEC Maintains Neutral Position
INEC has maintained strict neutrality amid the dispute, marking the ADC leadership status on its official portal as “BY COURT ORDER.” The commission has made it clear that it will not recognise any faction or monitor party activities such as congresses or conventions until the courts provide clear direction.
Legal Risks Heightened by Electoral Act
The memo highlights new legal constraints under Section 83(5) of the Electoral Act 2026, which discourages judicial interference in internal party affairs and imposes significant financial penalties—no less than ₦10 million—on parties and legal practitioners pursuing such cases improperly.
This provision, reinforced by recent warnings from the Nigerian Bar Association, signals a major shift away from the long-standing practice of resolving intra-party disputes through the courts.
Call for Immediate Internal Resolution
Against this backdrop, the legal advisory strongly recommends that the ADC abandon over-dependence on litigation and urgently pursue internal reconciliation mechanisms as provided in its constitution.
Key recommendations include the immediate mobilisation of NEC members—particularly state chairmen—to convene an emergency meeting under the party’s constitutional provisions. The memo stresses that at least two-thirds of NEC members must support such a move.
It also calls for strict compliance with statutory requirements, including a mandatory 21-day notice to INEC before any meeting addressing leadership issues, in line with electoral laws.
The advisory further urges the suspension of all factional activities, warning that parallel congresses or conventions could worsen fragmentation and render any outcomes legally invalid.
Warning on Political Consequences
The memo concludes with a stark warning: failure to act swiftly could leave the party paralysed for months due to prolonged litigation and possible appeals, ultimately weakening its political standing ahead of 2027.
It emphasizes that every day of uncertainty erodes party cohesion, discourages members, and diminishes electoral readiness.
The legal advisor offered immediate assistance in drafting necessary documents and facilitating the reconciliation process, urging party leaders to treat the situation as an emergency.
As the countdown to the court hearings begins, the ADC faces a critical test of unity, leadership, and its ability to navigate internal disputes without jeopardizing its future political ambitions.